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PICTOU - County residents phoned in their pledges to help those in need yesterday during the annual Pictou County Christmas fund telethon, broadcast from the deCoste Centre.
Combining a full afternoon of music and entertainment and familiar faces from around the county, the telethon pledge total at the end of the day was $70,000.
"We're very happy about that, the people of Pictou County always amaze us. So we'll be looking forward to people honouring their pledges, making their donations," said Rhonda Brown, Christmas fund chairwoman.
The telethon, now in its 35th year, had set a goal of $80,000. It's possible the amount collected yesterday will increase within the next few days if additional donations are made.
"People who don't call in to the telethon always turn up, it seems, to make donations. So anything's possible. Typically, every year, we've received more than what our telethon pledges have been. So it's quite possible we still will go over the $70,000 pledged," Brown said.
And from an organizational standpoint, the telethon "ran like clockwork," she said. "Everything went extremely well, people were on time or early and everything just ran like clockwork. We were so pleased with our entertainment."
The amount raised will go toward the distribution of grocery certificates for those in need this holiday season. Brown said the fund has set Dec. 17 and 18 to distribute the certificates.
So in the meantime, organizers are hoping pledge-makers will make good on their donations.
Those who honour their pledges during this week are eligible for an early bird draw. Pledges may be honoured at any Pictou County bank, credit union, The News and East Coast FM during normal business hours.